It's been a month since I wrote about the upcoming November election and some of the rumors going around the city have changed and some have become a little more than just rumors.

First, Mayor Scott Johnson has not publicly announced whether he will run for re-election in November, but he told me last week he made up his mind about it "some time ago."

He said he is waiting until it is the right time for him personally and "the right time for the office" to announce his decision.

Johnson also emphasized the fact that when he makes this announcement, to bear in mind that his decision was made long ago.

When I said it sounded an awful lot like he wasn't planning on a run at reelection, he said "I didn't say that."

Other people in the community have said that, though. I've heard from a number of people involved in Spa City Politics that Johnson is calling it quits, but to be clear, that is just speculation until he says one way or the other, as City GOP Committee Chair David Harper pointed out.

"I've heard that rumor as well," he said Monday. "I've also heard the rumor that he IS running."

As for a replacement Republican candidate, the name I hear most out there is Dave Patterson, the former 8th grade Social Studies teacher, one of the guides of historic Saratoga Tours and all-around nice guy (not to editorialize).

Harper would not confirm whether Patterson would be running for mayor if Johnson doesn't run, but he did say he has spoken to him and "I think Dave is definitely a candidate."

Another name floating around is that Ken Ivins may take a run at office again — though perhaps not for the same one he held. There's been talk about him running for city supervisor or Accounts Commissioner, but I don't know which.

In the same vein, Rick Wirth is another name that has become more and more solidified in the discussion about a run for office. Of course, in his case it is for the same one he left, Public Safety Commissioner.

On the other side of the aisle I have heard on pretty good authority is that Joanne Yepsen is, indeed, running for mayor.

When  I talked to her Jan. 24 she wouldn't say which position she is planning to run for in November — mayor or supervisor. "There are several options on the table," she said, adding that she is having "preliminary conversations," about which she would choose. 

I didn't reach her Monday for comment about it, but I've heard from a number of people that it is just a matter of time before she announces (I hear early March). 

There was talk (particularly by Republicans) that Yepsen could technically hold both her supervisor position and be mayor at the same time, but — and this is purely my take — that would probably not go well for her during the race.

 City Democrat Chair Charles Brown would not confirm Yepsen's intention's Monday, saying "until it is announced, that is not official."  He said "It wouldn't disappoint me if she was (running)."

What is official is that John Franck is running for his fifth term as Accounts Commissioner. He told me that, unequivocally, last week.

Brown said Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan is holding an event on Friday where she will make an announcement (the subject of which is still a mystery).

He also said that while Public Safety Commissioner Christian Mathiesen hasn't officially announced, he is confident he will run for re-election.

As for the candidates who are not official, Brown said he "I think within a month all of this will be decided on our side."
Harper, on the other hand, said he couldn't offer a firm timeline. In fact, he sent out a press-release Monday looking for candidates (see below).

                                      Saratoga Springs GOP seeks candidates

SARATOGA SPRINGS – the City of Saratoga Springs Republican Committee is seeking registered Republicans who reside in the City of Saratoga Springs and are interested in being interviewed and selected as the endorsed Republican candidates for the City Council or for City Supervisor(s) in the November 5 general election.

Those interested in an interview and endorsement for these public offices must submit a letter of intent stating the office they are seeking along with a resume to: David Harper, City of Saratoga Springs Republican Chairman, 480 Broadway, Suite 214, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

All letters of intent and resumes must be received no later than March 6th. Interviews will be conducted on March 13 beginning at 7:00 pm at the ITAM at 247 Grand Avenue.

Any questions regarding this announcement can be directed to Dave Harper, Chairman at 518.727.1499

 

That was the headline in the print version of the story in Friday's Saratogian. It ran on the second page, but for whatever reason never made it online so I figured we could put it here (where I could have a little more control over the comments, too).

Here is the story:

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs Public Works Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco has hired his son, Mark, as a city water meter reader. 

Mark Scirocco was third on the list of eligible candidates who took the civil service test for the position, which pays $15.71 an hour — $32,771 a year. 

Skip Scirocco said the position does not pay benefits because it is a temporary position at this point.

“He’s a very good worker and he’ll do a good job,” he said. 

The commissioner did not interview the top two candidates, a Saratoga Springs resident who scored 95 and a Ballston Spa resident who scored 90. Mark Scirocco’s score was 85. 

Commissioner Scirocco said he eliminated the second-highest scorer because he was not a city resident. He did not explain why he did not consider the highest-scoring candidate. Civil service law allows the employer to choose from among the top three candidates.

The position is considered a temporary, three-month position to fill in for a meter reader who is out on disability, but the possibility exists for longer employment. 

— By Barbara Lombardo and Lucian McCarty

Barb wrote most of it, but I did the reporting on it (I was in the middle of something else so she took it up). 

Anyway, the story actually came from Skip Scirocco who volunteered the information to me in a conversation about something totally unrelated saying: "I just want to come clean about this, since I'm sure you'll hear it somewhere else." 

Obviously in this city there is some precedent for this (Skip's predecessor, for example) and he followed all of the rules for this hire. Skip said he worked for the city before and that he's working out well. 

The guy who is out with a medical condition may not be back because it seems like it may be long-term, in which case this position will likely become permanent. 

Anyway, I'm sure there will be some comments, so let's keep them civil. I won't publish any personal attacks so don't bother.